Pakistan Navy to build indigenously designed gunboat and tugs

Gunboat possessing stealth features and armour protection would be designed by the naval force

KARACHI:

The Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works and Ministry of Defence Production on Wednesday signed the contract to build indigenous platforms for Pakistan Navy.

The contract signing ceremony of indigenously designed gunboat and tugs was held at Ministry of Defence Production on Wednesday where KS&EW Managing Director Rear Admiral Ather Saleem and Munitions Production DG Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Qaiser Janjua signed the contracts.

Maj General Akif Iqbal, Additional Secretary Defence Production and Rear Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) were also present on the occasion, said a statement issued by the Pakistan Navy.

The gunboat possessing stealth features, armour protection and capable of achieving high speed would be indigenously designed by Pakistan Navy, while its construction would be undertaken by KS&EW. Additionally, two tugs equipped with state of the art machinery, adept to operate in rough weather and capable to conduct salvage operations will also be constructed.

Speaking on the occasion, the KS&EW MD highlighted that projects were manifestation of indigenisation and self-sufficiency in defence ship-building. He also underlined that presently various vessels were under-construction at KS&EW including MILGEM corvette, fast attack craft (missile) and tugs for Pakistan Navy and Maritime Patrol Vessel for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.

The Munitions Production MD appreciated the management and workforce of KS&EW for ensuring successful and timely delivery of vessels in the past while ensuring highest quality of international standards.

The ceremony was attended by various officials from Ministry of Defence Production and Pakistan Navy.